Volunteer Opportunity Proposal: Hantavirus Public Education Outreach Program

  • Organization: San Bernardino County
  • Program: San Bernardino County Hantavirus Awareness Initiative
  • Position Type: Volunteer
  • Location: San Bernardino County, California
  • Time Commitment: Flexible
  • Duration: Seasonal and Ongoing Opportunities Available

About the Initiative

San Bernardino County has a long history of community health outreach through educational programs, public information campaigns, and volunteer engagement. The proposed Hantavirus Awareness Initiative seeks to expand these efforts by recruiting volunteers to help educate residents about hantavirus prevention, symptoms, and risk reduction strategies. The initiative builds upon the county’s existing public health outreach model, including its community ambassador programs and volunteer opportunities.

Position Statement

Hantavirus Public Education Outreach Volunteers will serve as trusted community messengers who help increase awareness of hantavirus, a rare but serious disease that can be transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings. Volunteers will provide educational materials, answer general questions, and connect community members with reliable public health resources.

No medical background is required. Training and educational materials will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

Volunteers may assist with:

  • Distributing hantavirus prevention brochures and fact sheets
  • Staffing informational booths at community events, health fairs, and local gatherings
  • Engaging residents in conversations about rodent safety and disease prevention
  • Assisting with presentations at schools, community centers, and neighborhood organizations
  • Sharing approved public health information through community networks
  • Supporting outreach efforts in areas where rodent exposure risks may be higher
  • Referring medical questions to qualified public health professionals

Desired Qualifications

Applicants should:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Be comfortable speaking with diverse community members
  • Demonstrate professionalism and reliability
  • Have an interest in public health, community service, or health education
  • Be able to attend volunteer orientation and training sessions

Spanish-language proficiency and other multilingual abilities are highly desirable.

Training Provided

Volunteers will receive instruction on:

  • Hantavirus transmission and prevention
  • Effective health communication techniques
  • Community outreach best practices
  • Cultural sensitivity and community engagement
  • Public health resource referral procedures
  • Event and booth operations

Benefits of Volunteering

Participants will gain:

  • Public health outreach experience
  • Community engagement and leadership skills
  • Volunteer service hours
  • Networking opportunities with public health professionals
  • Experience in health education and risk communication
  • The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on community health

Outreach Activities

Volunteers may support educational efforts at:

  • Community health fairs
  • Schools and colleges
  • Community centers
  • Farmers markets
  • Libraries
  • Faith-based organizations
  • Neighborhood events

This approach mirrors successful community outreach and health ambassador programs previously used throughout San Bernardino County to provide public health education and resources.

Application Process

Interested individuals should submit:

  1. Volunteer application form
  2. Brief statement of interest
  3. Availability schedule
  4. Contact information

Selected applicants will be invited to attend a volunteer orientation and training session before participating in outreach activities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Hantavirus Awareness Initiative welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds and encourages participation from individuals who reflect the diversity of San Bernardino County communities. The program is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and supportive volunteer environment.

Help protect your community by becoming a Hantavirus Public Education Outreach Volunteer. Through education and awareness, volunteers can play an important role in helping residents reduce exposure risks and make informed health decisions.